It was the west country club's ninth successive league defeat, a sequence stretching back six months, and underlined the fight they could face to avoid relegation.

But they can take heart from a fiercely-committed display that meant Sale could never relax.

Luke McAlister booted his side to victory

Penalties in each half from Adrian Jarvis and Ed Barnes kept Bristol in the contest, yet McAlister's long-range accuracy ensured an away-day triumph.

It was not a night when Sale threatened through their galaxy of international backs, and rugby director Philippe Saint-Andre will demand a huge improvement before Sharks host Gloucester next Friday night.

But he will be satisfied that his team at least gained the required result, even if their performance was some way below-par.

Bristol boss Richard Hill made five changes from the side thumped 31-13 by Harlequins last weekend, with internationals Kevin Maggs, Robert Sidoli and Andrew Blowers among those players left out.

Sale though, recalled the likes of Wales scrum-half Dwayne Peel and England World Cup wing Mark Cueto as they targeted a third successive Premiership victory.

It was a tall order for the home side, but they started promisingly as wing Tom Arscott tested Sale's defence with a powerful run before Jarvis drifted an opening penalty chance narrowly wide.

Sale looked to play with pace and width, utilising Peel's endeavour and industry, and they moved ahead through a long-range McAlister penalty after Barnes was sin-binned.